BROOME local Trevor Price has hit the ground running, since becoming the Department of Agriculture and Food's new Northern Beef Futures productivity and profitability manager.
Department project manager Mark Ritchie said Mr Price, who is based at the department's Northern Beef Development Centre in Broome, would be a familiar face to many in the northern pastoral industry having travelled extensively in the region as a seed stock producer.
"Trevor was a strong candidate for the role in northern WA - he understands cattle enterprises from all perspectives having attended a rural college, worked on cattle stations in the Northern Territory and more recently, having established his own cattle stud in New South Wales," Mr Ritchie said.
"In 2002-03, after a break from the cattle industry, Trevor started a beef seed stock business to provide cross-breeding options in northern Australia.
"A 26-year career in the military as a soldier and officer working in management and engineering, complements his animal science background."
With qualifications in engineering (mechanical and aerospace) and management (agribusiness and projects), Mr Price is also working towards completing his masters in animal science, with a focus on animal breeding management.
Mr Price said in his role as productivity and profitability manager he would drive the on-station, productivity development aspects of the department's Northern Beef Futures project.
"I intend to take advantage of my regional presence in Broome and meet pastoralists outside of main mustering periods to highlight positive new opportunities for them, particularly relating to Northern Beef Futures activities," he said.
"Collaboration and robust relationships are vital in getting the most out of any industry.
"I look forward to working with stakeholders throughout the region, including members of the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen's Association, to ensure we're in tune with the needs of end customers.
"I hope to attend as many pastoral industry events as possible to develop relationships with producers in the beef supply chain and provide a local link across the value chain.
"My aim is to improve outcomes for the northern beef sector by identifying and addressing issues and challenges to growth, while optimising the value of the industry as a whole."
Department Beef Industry Development director Brad McCormick said Mr Ritchie had recently taken on the role of project manager.
"Mark has a wealth of beef industry and leadership experience," Mr McCormick said.
"Mark's previous positions with the Cattle Council of Australia and North Australian Pastoral Company, in particular, place him well to deliver benefits to stakeholders throughout WA's northern beef industry value chain."
The Northern Beef Futures project is an investment by the State government's Royalties for Regions program.
